Rayne man arrested for selling shrimp without a license

Roche also booked with three counts of theft by fraudulent sales, according to LDWF

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrested a 36-year-old Rayne man on Feb. 26 for alleged shrimp violations.

According to a press release, Shannon J. Roche was booked into the Lafayette Parish jail for 13 counts of selling shrimp without a retail seafood license, three counts of theft by fraudulent sales and failing to maintain records.

Agents learned Roche allegedly purchased shrimp from a wholesale retail dealer and resold them to consumers on 13 different occasions in January and February.

He also allegedly made three transactions to consumers who did not receive the correct amount of shrimp purchased, the release states.

LDWF agents first learned of Roche’s activities from consumers posting photos of him on social media websites describing his selling practices, according to the release.

Selling shrimp without a retail seafood license brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Theft by fraudulent sales carries up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, and failing to maintain records brings up to a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail, according to the release.